Last bid fails for Paddy's Market

Paddy's Market was started by Irish immigrants in the 19th century

A last-ditch attempt has failed to stop a development which could spell the end for Glasgow's Paddy's Market.

The city council's executive committee voted last month to take over the site's lease from Network Rail.

This paved the way for redevelopment plans in the area around Shipbank Lane, in the face of opposition from traders.

Attempts on Tuesday by some councillors to have the proposals reconsidered were voted down. The planned development will now go ahead.

The council is poised to take over the lease of Shipbank Lane with a rent of £100,000 per year.

It aims to raise the profile of the area and possibly operate a new market and arts-related development.

We have for many years been urging the council to talk to us so that we can jointly make the place a more attractive area, however our requests have been ignored Patsy Woodward Paddy's Market trader

The SNP and Green groups on the council separately called the matter in, which meant it had to be revisited by the council's executive committee.

Traders held a protest outside the city chambers in George Square while the meeting took place on Tuesday.

But they were left disappointed when councillors passed the proposed redevelopment by 11 votes to five.

Paddy's Market tenant, Patsy Woodward, said: "All we want is to be able to continue trading.

"We have for many years been urging the council to talk to us so that we can jointly make the place a more attractive area, however our requests have been ignored.

"Instead, they have mounted a smear campaign against the traders, blaming us for crime and anti-social behaviour which is clearly nothing to do with the people that work in Shipbank Lane."